Basketball Hall of Fame Class Announced

Mutombo was an eight-time All Star and four-time Defensive Player of the Year in 18 seasons. Mutombo, who played for six teams in his career, played for six different teams. His trademark was the finger wag after blocking opponents’ shots.

Mutombo is joined in the class by referee Dick Bavetta, John Calipari, Louis Dampier, Lindsay Gaze, Spencer Haywood, Tom Heinsohn, John Isaacs, Lisa Leslie, George Raveling and Jo Jo White.

Heinsohn is being inducted as a coach, having already been inducted as a player.

Calipari is Kentucky’s head coach, who led the team to a 38-0 record before being defeated by Wisconsin. He won a National Championship with Kentucky in 2012.

Bavetta isn’t just the ref who kissed Charles Barkley, but he also officiated games from 1975 until 2014, never missing an assignment. He holds the record for most officiated games.

Haywood is largely credited with the rule change allowing one-and-done players in college basketball. Haywood left school for the ABA after his sophomore season.

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